Boys & Girls Club Awards 2021 Youth of the Year

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains Recognizes Exemplary Board Members

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 22:05:05 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of Brookings, Moody County, Yankton, and Vermillion board members and staff met for an Annual Meeting at the Blue Haven Barn in Sioux Falls, on Tuesday, January 24, to celebrate successes, discuss challenges, and honor board members for their elite service to the Boys & Girls Club.

During the Annual Meeting, Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains corporate board member Reece Kurtenbach and Boys & Girls Club of Moody County advisory council member, Kathy Doyle were each named a 2022 Champion of Youth . The Champion of Youth award is bestowed to individuals for exhibiting above-and-beyond service to their Boys & Girls Club, and is one of the highest honors awarded to exemplary board members who have dedicated years of service to the Club, youth, and mission. Reece has diligently worked behind the scenes to ensure the Club remains focused on their strategic priorities and has led many ad-hawk committees and initiatives throughout his 20-year tenure with Boys & Girls Club. Similarly, Kathy was recognized with this award for her years of humble and dedicated service to the Boys & Girls Club of Moody County. Time spent volunteering, preparing for special events, and stewarding community partners has undoubtedly moved the mission of the Club forward.

Two of our advisory council members were presented with the Rising Rockstar award. This award is presented to newer Boys & Girls Club board or advisory council members who have been serving in their role with the Club in their first term. These are volunteer board members who have gone above and beyond in their start with the organization and have made a visible impact within their Club. Dan Sutton , Boys & Girls Club of Moody County advisory council member, and Dr. Jacob Quail , Boys & Girls Club of Vermillion advisory council member, were both recognized for their dedicated service to the Club during their first term as advisory council members.

Lastly, Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Plains Corporate Board President, Scott Ramsdell , received the Gary Isenberg Advocacy Award . This award was presented in honor of Gary Isenberg, a long-serving, passionate, positive, and influential Boys & Girls Club board member who passed away in November 2021. This was the first Advocacy Award to be presented since his passing and recognizes a current board member who displays a similar passion and involvement in the promotion and advocacy for their Club.

Boys & Girls Club Awards 2022 Youth of the Year and Jr. Youth of the Year

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:24:39 GMT

Charlie Janise from Brookings will represent Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains at the South Dakota Youth of the Year competition in March, 2023. Charlie Janise and Finn Bartlett, Junior Youth of the Year winner from Brookings, competed amongst their peers at the Club’s annual competition, on Saturday, December 10.

Youth of the Year (YOY) is a Boys & Girls Club of America program that recognizes and celebrates outstanding youth in each community’s Boys & Girls Club. The program showcases how members have been involved with the Club and how it has impacted them. Participating in the competition takes time and effort, and winning the organization’s Youth of the Year title is the highest honor a Club member can receive.

Along with Charlie, Kasaundra Albee from Brookings participated in the Youth of the Year competition. Alex Nickel from Moody County and Makhia Wilson from Brookings participated in the Jr. Youth of the Year competition alongside Finn.

“Youth of the Year is my favorite program and event at the Club,” said Chelsea Lang, the Executive Director at Boys & Girls Club of Brookings. “Oftentimes we have watched our candidates grow up throughout the years and we can clearly see the impact the Club has made on their lives.”

Club staff have watched Charlie grow over the years, and are so proud of the leadership skills and confidence they have shown. Charlie has been attending the Club for 4 years and gives the Club credit for building their confidence enough to join the school debate team, which has become one of their favorite things about school! They appreciate the safe space the Club has been for them to learn more about themselves, dabble in their art interests (specifically drawing portraits), and share their chaotic and energetic personality with other Club members and staff around the fast-paced card game, Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza . After moving around a lot when they were young, Charlie was happy to find a place like the Club where they could connect with peers and friends outside of school and get to know people on a deeper level.

“With all of the changes in my life, the Club has been a consistent support for me … Besides having fun at the Club, the staff are willing to listen to me when I have problems, which makes me feel heard. I appreciate that and know that they will do what is best for me when I am here,” Charlie said in their speech.

For Finn Barlett, the Club has been an outlet in which he can remain involved in his many passions. Finn is in Teen Court Club, participates in Dungeons and Dragons group, is Vice President of Club Council, and is the President for his Middle School Student Council.

As a result of Finn’s involvement in so many activities, he gets to express his leadership and creativity, and help spread happiness to other Club members.

“I have always wanted to be an attorney, and so I greatly appreciate the chance to experience the justice system at such a close degree,” Finn said in his speech. “One specific thing I am looking forward to in Club Council, is that I will have the opportunity to have a positive impact on the Club.”

Engaging with all Club members and being authentically himself are just a couple of the ways in which staff have seen Finn positively impact the Club and the community.

Jaclyn Kyte, our Boys & Girls Club of Yankton Jr. Youth of the Year winner, participated in this year's annual competition at Boys & Girls Club of Yankton on Friday, December 9, with Kiyah Sherman, Miley Wilcox, Xander Fischer, Courtney Johnson, and Rilyn Jackson. Jaclyn is involved in Mindfulness Club, Healthy Lifestyles, and so much more. Over the years, staff have watched Jaclyn grow into the strong, kind, compassionate leader she is today.

"Do you know the feeling when you cuddle up with a warm blanket and it's so comforting? That's the feeling the Club gives me," Jaclyn said in her speech. "Remember to be yourself. You shouldn't have to change for anyone around you. You’re all unique in your own ways and that’s what makes you special."

The Club has played a large part in Jaclyn's journey to loving herself for who she truly is and overcoming the challenges that she has encountered. Jaclyn has flourished over her time at the Club, displaying what it means to be true to yourself.

LARSON Donates $5,000 and 75 Hygiene Packs

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 23:05:15 GMT

LARSON has been a longtime supporter and friend of Boys & Girls Club of Brookings. This month we received a $5,000 donation from the company and its employees, along with an in-kind donation of 75 hygiene packs for our 4th and 5th grade Club members.

LARSON has contributed to the youth in the community in so many ways. When they reached out to discuss the best way to support our youth right now, Jadin Monsen, our Program AmeriCorps VISTA, worked with the Club directors to put together a list of items that would be useful to our members.

The LARSON employee-led IMPACT Committee arranged a “Make A Difference” event where employees worked together to purchase items, including full-size body wash, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and combs, to assemble hygiene kits during work breaks throughout the week. These drawstring hygiene bags were delivered to the Club and distributed to 4th and 5th grade students on Tuesday, November 1. Our members were so thankful for this generous gift and grateful for LARSON’s continued commitment to the youth in our community.

Boys & Girls Club of Vermillion 21st Century Club Tutors

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 23:05:12 GMT

Participating Club Tutors students made goal journals, where they will record academic and personal goals at Club Tutors each week!

Boys & Girls Club of Vermillion will receive a total of $1.1 million in grant funding over the next five years from 21st Century Community Learning Centers for a partnership with area schools. The Club will work with the Vermillion School District to provide enhanced afterschool tutoring and academic success programming through a program called Club Tutors. Students are referred by their teachers to join this free, afterschool tutoring program, run by Rachel Franks, our full-time Education Director. In October of 2022, the Club Tutors program opened within the Vermillion Middle School and will serve a maximum of 20 students throughout the semester. Club Tutors will expand to the Vermillion High School and Elementary Schools to serve a total of 100 students across the district in the next two years.

“We are so excited to provide this program for families in the Vermillion community,” said Boys & Girls Club of Vermillion Executive Director Savannah Wise. “We are able to give youth in this program more focused academic help and grow the services offered by the Boys & Girls Club.”

As Boys & Girls Club of Vermillion currently operates as a licensed, fee-based site for Austin and Jolley Elementary students, this five-year grant program provides an exciting opportunity to offer extended services to middle and high school students in Vermillion. The Club and Vermillion School District will be in close communication as teachers refer students to the program based on reading and math testing scores, and the tutoring takes place within the school building. Franks, along with additional tutor staff and volunteers, will work with these students to reach grade-level reading and math skills, as well as ensure Vermillion families are closely engaged with their student’s success and are supported with transportation opportunities, mental health services, and healthy food options.

More details about the Boys & Girls Club of Vermillion Club Tutors academic success program will be shared with the schools, teachers, and families the program expands. Stay tuned!

Boys & Girls Club of Yankton Partners with Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health Services

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 23:04:52 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of Yankton and Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health Services have partnered to provide more access to mental health services for youth and families of the Club. Mental Health is a priority at the Boys & Girls Club, especially as they observe the effects of the pandemic on youth in the community. As the pandemic kept youth in their homes, isolation led to a lack of social interaction during formative years of their childhood. This impact was evident when examining social and academic change as youth returned to a typical day-to-day schedule. Continued partnerships with licensed agencies like Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health Services are key to combating this social emotional deficit.

Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health Services has been a consistent partner for Boys & Girls Club of Yankton. The Club has become a common meeting place for Lewis & Clark counselors and youth throughout the school year and summer. Being able to use the Boys & Girls Club site as a meeting place often means guardians do not have to be concerned about transporting their youth to sessions, and meetings can occur more consistently. Lewis & Clark professionals also lead social skills groups at the Boys & Girls Club of Yankton traditional site and Academy programs. These groups focus on teaching and practicing social emotional and positive peer interaction behaviors. “Social skills groups have been instrumental in increasing youths’ ability to interact positively in a social setting and lead youth to success at the Club, in the classroom, and ideally, impact their contributions to the community,” said Koty Frick, Executive Director at Boys & Girls Club of Yankton.

In 2021 when Boys & Girls Club of Yankton received a Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative grant to expand their teen diversion program, Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health was a consistent & supportive partner. A required step in starting the youth diversion program is participating in a mental health evaluation with the youth, guardian, and licensed mental health counselor. Lewis & Clark was quick to step into this vital role and has been successful in setting up additional mental health or counseling needs of youth in this program. This partnership in diversion programming is an expansion upon their previous work with the Yankton and Clay County Teen Court programs also facilitated by the Boys & Girls Club.

“As we continue to see the needs of our youth adapt, we are grateful to have such a strong partner in Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health,” notes Frick. “We are all in this together as we work to provide accessible services, positive experiences, and ultimately great futures for youth who need us most.”

For more information and service options provided by Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health Services visit www.lcbhs.net or call 605-665-4606.

Success at the 2022 Pancake Feed

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 21:13:51 GMT

On Sunday, October 16, Boys & Girls Club of Moody County hosted the Annual Pancake Feed at the Club. This year they served Grandma Virginia’s famous pancakes, eggs with diced ham, coffee, and orange juice. Club members helped serve food, give tours, and clear plates as the community enjoyed gathering and learning more about the Club.

This annual fundraiser raised around $1,300 to go directly towards operations at Boys & Girls Club of Moody County. We are incredibly grateful to all community members that took the time to visit, tour, and support the Club. We served a little over 175 plates of amazing food.

We would like to give a special thank you to Dakota Layers for donating all the eggs used during the event. Thank you, also, to Thrivent Financial for donating $250 to use for the additional groceries and supplies.

Every year we are greeted by nothing but support from the Moody County community. It is obvious that this is a community filled with love and dedication to its youth. Thank you again for visiting the Club! We hope to have just as many people join us for pancakes again next year.

Ms. Sakowin Crowned Ms. Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 21:13:47 GMT

Congratulations Ms. Sakowin! Our very own Jr. Youth Program Staff, Ms. Sakowin, won the title of Ms. Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe (Ms. FSST) earlier this year. Ms. FSST is a pageant style competition where contestants dance and give a speech in front of a panel of judges. The judges base their decision on who represents the tribe well, and Sakowin was crowned Ms. FSST 2022-2023.

Ms. Sakowin started working at the Club as a part of the Workforce Program this past summer. Workforce is a Career Development program with the Boys & Girls Club. Teens receive job experience and weekly trainings in career development related topics. Last summer, these topics included resume writing, interviews, college applications, leadership experience, and job experience. When the program ended in August, Ms. Sakowin chose to continue working at the Club through the school year.

This is Ms. Sakowin’s freshman year at Flandreau High school and she shared she is hoping to make it a great year. She looks forward to representing her community in all she does. After she graduates from high school, Ms. Sakowin plans to attend college for Dermatology.

When asked what she loves about the Club, Ms. Sakowin stated, “You can go to the Club and be yourself, meet new people, and make new friends.”

Ms. Sakowin is a great role model for youth and we are so proud of the impact that she has at the Club. She continues to represent her tribe beautifully and shine in everything she does. Our Club staff is excited to watch her continue to grow and thrive in the community.

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains Welcomes New CEO

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 21:56:14 GMT

We are pleased to share that Jody Hernandez will be joining our team as the Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains effective August 29, 2022. Hernandez has extensive experience in youth programs, organizational leadership, and the cultivation of strategic relationships. We look forward to the passion and leadership that she will bring to the organization.

Hernandez joins us from San Antonio, Texas where she served as Chief Operating Officer for Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas for 12 years. Hernandez also served as Director of Membership Services at Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana and as Director of Fund Development at the Girl Scout Council of Greater St. Louis.

Hernandez also brings prior work experience in the field of higher education, having served as an Adjunct Professor, Youthful Offender Counselor, and Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students at Oakland City University. Her professional background also includes several years in the U.S. Army Reserves, for which she served as a combat medic attached to a M.A.S.H. unit in St. Louis, MO, as well as to a Blackhawk Unit at Scott Air Force Base.

Hernandez is currently completing a dissertation for a Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology with an emphasis in Organizational Development and Design and holds a bachelor's degree in Social Work and Master of Public Administration and Policy Analysis from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

Jody, her husband John, and their daughter Lily look forward to moving to South Dakota and joining the family of the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains.

Boys & Girls Club Awards 2021 Youth of the Year

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 20:35:16 GMT

Raina Paquette from Brookings will represent the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains at the South Dakota Youth of the Year competition in March, 2022. She and Rilyn Jackson, Junior Youth of the Year winner from Yankton , competed amongst their peers at the Club’s annual competition virtually, on Saturday, January 15.

Along with Raina, two high school members from the Boys & Girls Club of Yankton, Cooper Shudak and Maleik Franklin, participated in the YOY competition. Six middle school members took part in the Junior YOY competition alongside Rilyn; Finn Bartlett, Aiden Robertson, Kasaundra Albee, and Rogan Haider from Brookings, and Courtney Johnson and Jaclyn Kyte from Yankton.

“Youth of the Year is my favorite program and event at the Club,” said Chelsea Lang, the Executive Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Brookings. “Oftentimes we have watched our candidates grow up throughout the years and we can clearly see the impact the Club has made on their lives.”

Club staff watched Raina grow up, but through scattered periods of time as her family often moved between Madison, Brandon, and Brookings. Raina shared in her speech that it wasn’t until after her family’s home flooded in 9th grade, forcing them to move again, that she and her brothers regularly started attending the Club again. Even though Raina said she wasn’t ready for another change, she was excited to be back at the Club and at the Teen Center.

“My brothers and I love coming because we get to socialize, complete our homework, and talk with the staff,” Raina said in her speech. “I am grateful that I was able to keep attending the Club after so many different phases in my life. The Club has been the most consistent part of my life growing up.”

Like Raina’s Boys & Girls Club of Brookings experience, the Boys & Girls Club of Yankton has also been a consistent part of Rilyn’s life since she became a member in 2015 . She has participated in many fun activities, but fishing camp and book club are two of her favorites.

In the fishing camp, Rilyn helped other members by putting worms on their hooks and caught a few “teeny” fish of her own. She was also an avid reader in book club and hopes to help continue it this summer.

“I even started writing my own book this year; maybe future book clubs will read my novels,” Rilyn said in her speech.

Developing new creative passions is just one of the ways the staff at the Boys & Girls Club of Yankton have watched Rilyn grow through the years.

“She exemplifies hard work, responsibility, and compassion in everything she does,” said Ms. Savannah, the Teen Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Yankton. “We are very proud of her and all of her accomplishments and we are anxious to see what her future holds!”

New Faces at the Boys & Girls Club of Brookings and Brookings Clubhouse

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 21:39:41 GMT

The Boys & Girls Club of Brookings and the Brookings Clubhouse have both added multiple new positions and had experienced staff members accept new roles.

In June, Grace Juergens started as the 4th and 5th Grade Director after previously working as a Lead Youth Development Specialist. She grew up on a farm in southern Minnesota and moved to Brookings to attend SDSU, where she is currently finishing her degree.

Ms. Grace has enjoyed spending each day at the Club with the kids. Any free time she finds, she likes to travel, read, and spend time with her cat, friends, and family.

Also in June, Sally Brechbill started as the new Membership Coordinator but quickly stepped into the 1st-3rd Grade Director role in September after Ms. Hailey moved to Moody County. Ms. Sally worked with youth through volleyball and summer camps, and wanted to continue working with them after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“Growing up, I always had amazing mentors that impacted my growth,” Ms. Sally said. “That inspired me to continue that onto the next generation of youth.”

Her favorite part of the Club so far has been creating fun new programming with staff and community members for the Club kids to experience. Ms. Sally enjoys cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers, reading, and spending time with her dog, Watts.

Meagan Kronke took over the Membership Coordinator position after Ms. Sally . Her experience as the front desk receptionist for the past four months has helped create a smooth transition.

“My favorite part about working here is the positive environment and seeing the kids’ faces and smiles each day,” Ms. Meagan said.

Ms. Meagan grew up in Minnesota and her favorite color is purple. She likes to go for walks and spend time with her family and pets.

Hannah Faulhaber worked at the Brookings Club as a Youth Development Specialist for nearly a year before starting as the Program AmeriCorps VISTA in August . While she loved working directly with the kids, Ms. Hannah said that she was interested in the Program VISTA position because she wanted to make an even bigger impact on the Club and the youth that come here.

Ms. Hannah is currently finishing her degree at SDSU in Human Development and Family Studies and plans to become a Certified Child Life Specialist after graduating. Her career goal and love for working with kids stemmed from her experience at the Boys & Girls Club of Brookings, she said.

Matt Sass, the Elementary Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Brookings, has been proud and happy to see his staff grow and change in different positions and communities.

“It is so great when we can promote internally and keep seeing the staff grow professionally,” Mr. Matt said. “The majority of our full-time staff started as a YDS, working just part time, and now they are in leadership roles in our organization!”

The Boys & Girls Club of Brookings Early Childhood Education Clubhouse

Jacinda Carlson has worked at the Boys & Girls Club of Brookings for almost two years, both at the Elementary Club and at the Early Childhood Education Clubhouse. At the end of September, she officially started as the Continued Education Director after working as the interim director for two months.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the families of all the Continued Education kids more,” Ms. Jacinda said. “I love making those connections and being able to communicate with one another to make their kids’ experience the best it can be!”

Ms. Jacinda is currently attending SDSU and likes to spend her free time doing anything active, like golf, volleyball, and softball.

Amy Overby started teaching Preschool at the Clubhouse in August after previously teaching Head Start Preschool in Madison, SD.

Ms. Amy enjoys spending time with her students in the classroom and teaching them how to self-regulate, problem solve, and speak up for themselves.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how all of my students progress and develop their relationships with each other throughout the year,” Ms. Amy said.

Jessica Berg started teaching Junior Kindergarten at the Clubhouse in August after completing her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She had previously been a preschool teacher for five years prior to joining our Clubhouse team.

“My favorite part about working here is seeing the students grow in knowledge every day,” Ms. Jessica said.

At home, Ms. Jessica likes to spend time playing different sports and games with her husband, two children and dog.

New Faces at the Boys & Girls Club of Moody County

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 16:23:32 GMT

At the Boys & Girls Club of Moody County, all four full-time staff members are new, though each have previous Club experience.

Hailey Adams joined the Boys & Girls Club of Moody County in September as the Executive Director. She has 4 years of Club experience, previously working as the Membership Coordinator and 1st-3rd Grade Director at the Brookings Club.

Ms. Hailey grew up in Osakloosa, Iowa and moved to Brookings to attend SDSU. Country music is her jam and she enjoys reading, traveling, boating, and visiting with her family and friends. Ms. Hailey said that she is loving her new position and getting to know all of the Flandreau youth and families!

Samantha Strong started as the new Program Director at the end of September after working as a Moody County Power Up teacher this past summer. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in art, which she uses to be creative with the youth at the Club.

“I’ve loved watching new changes happen that have opened possibilities to better ourselves and the Club,” Ms. Sam said.

Ms. Sam is from a small town in western New York, where all of her family still lives, but now calls South Dakota home with her husband, two step-daughters, three cats and dog.

Grace Gunderson started as one of two new Program Coordinator positions in May 2021. She also came to Moody County with 4 years of experience at the Boys & Girls Club of Brookings.

Since May, Ms. Grace has helped get the teens involved with volunteering around the Club. She is looking forward to exciting new programming and projects that she and the teens are currently putting together.

Ms. Grace also has a certification in Community Health from Lake Area Tech. Her favorite things are her cats Gertrude and Frejya, the color purple, reading, arts and crafts, and her family and friends.

Cassie Stoltenburg filled the second new Program Coordinator position at the end of September. She also had over 2 years of experience at the Boys & Girls Club of Brookings.

“I’ve worked closely with kids for many years and decided that I wanted to take on a new leadership role and impact them from a higher level,” Ms. Cassie said.

Ms. Cassie loves chicken alfredo pizza, but soft shell tacos are a close second place. She grew up in Clear Lake with her sister and three brothers.